Is a signed release needed to use a picture of an employee on our company’s Facebook page?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Is a signed release needed to use a picture of an employee on our company’s Facebook page?

Asked on June 1, 2012 under Business Law, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

No, you do not need a signed release: you can simply make it a term or condition of employment that employees must let you use a picture on your Facebook page, the same as you an set work hours, dress code, have a non-fraternization policy, etc.

That said, a signed release would be a good idea--and, of course, you can require employees to provide it. The release will remove any doubt as to the propriety of using the pictures, and you can include terms in the release absolving your company of any liability from the picture the employee provides (e.g. if the employee provides a picture that is then recognized by someone he or she owes money to or injured, you don't want the employee attempting to sue you--even though (s)he would almost certainly lose--on the grounds that you caused her to be sued or to suffer some other adverse consequence).


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption